Child Clothing System

ABSTRACT

A child clothing system includes an item of child&#39;s clothing having a neck end and a lower end, a front and a back, and at least one panel attached to the front of the item of clothing. The panel is alterable between first and second configurations such that, when the panel is attached in the first configuration to the item of clothing, the panel is configured to display indicia to a child wearing the item of clothing, and when the panel is attached in the second configuration, the indicia are hidden from view.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority, under 35 U.S.C. §§119 and 371, of Great Britain patent application No. 1221208.0 filed on Nov. 26, 2012; the prior application is herewith incorporated by reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a child clothing system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Children require frequent mental stimulation and entertainment, a need typically addressed through the provision of games and playthings. However, such items may often be lost and it would therefore be preferable for a child's playthings to be readily transportable and more secure.

Items of clothing have in the past been proposed to address this need, for example, United States Patent Publication No. 2005/0000001 to Goldkind discloses a pair of trousers to which various playthings may be attached and United States Patent Publication No. 2005/278821 to Klayman-Grodsky discloses an item of clothing to which puppets may be attached.

However, the prior art clothing has various drawbacks. For example, when a child wearing an item of play clothing is not using the item for playing it would be preferable for the item of clothing to appear as a normal item of clothing, particularly when the child is in public. Furthermore, for items of clothing comprising puppets, it would be preferable for the item of clothing to allow the puppets to be securely retained.

Thus, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art systems, designs, and processes as discussed above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a child clothing system that overcomes the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices and methods.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a child clothing system comprising an item of child's clothing having a front with a neck end and a lower end, and at least one panel attached to the front of the item of clothing, characterized in that the panel is alterable between first and second configurations such that when the panel is attached in the first configuration to the item of clothing the panel is configured to display indicia to a child wearing the item of clothing, and when the panel is attached in the second configuration the indicia are hidden from view characterized in that the panel is alterable between first and second configurations without detaching the panel from the item of clothing.

The provision of a system wherein a panel is alterable between a configuration wherein the panel displays indicia to a child and a configuration wherein the indicia are hidden from view allows for the indicia to be selectively deployed.

By allowing the panel to change between configurations without fully detaching the panel from the item of clothing the configurations may be rapidly moved between and the chances of a panel being lost are reduced.

Preferably when the panel is in the second configuration the panel forms a pocket with the front of the item of clothing. By forming a pocket with the front of item of clothing items such as toys or puppets may be retained within the pocket.

In some exemplary embodiments, the child clothing system comprises at least one puppet. In one embodiment the puppets are attached to the panel. Provision of puppets enhances the entertainment provided by the system.

In one exemplary embodiment, the panel comprises first and second edges with at least one attachment adjacent the first edge. Preferably, the item of clothing comprises first and second attachments, the first attachment being disposed nearer the neck end and the second attachment being disposed nearer the lower end of the item of clothing, the first and second attachments being adapted to engage with an attachment on the panel.

In one exemplary embodiment, the first attachment on the item of clothing comprises at least one button, press-stud or area of hook and loop fastener.

In one exemplary embodiment, the first attachment on the item of clothing comprises a plurality of buttons, press-studs or areas of hook and loop fastener.

In one exemplary embodiment, the second attachment means on the item of clothing comprises at least one button, press-stud or area of hook and loop fastener. In one embodiment the second attachment means on the item of clothing comprises a plurality of buttons, press-studs or areas of hook and loop fastener.

Preferably, when the panel is in its second configuration, an attachment adjacent the first edge of the panel is attached to the first attachment on the item of clothing.

Preferably, when the panel is in its first configuration, an attachment adjacent the first edge of the panel is attached to the second attachment on the item of clothing.

In some exemplary embodiments, the item of clothing further comprises a third attachment disposed between the first and second attachments on the item of clothing, the third attachment also being adapted to engage with attachment means on the panel.

In one exemplary embodiment, the third attachment on the item of clothing comprises at least one button, press-stud or area of hook and loop fastener.

In one exemplary embodiment, the third attachment on the item of clothing comprises a plurality of buttons, press-studs or areas of hook and loop fastener.

In some exemplary embodiments, the panel comprises at least one attachment adjacent its second edge. Preferably, when the panel is in both first and second configurations, the attachment adjacent the second edge of the panel is attached to the third attachment on the item of clothing.

In some exemplary embodiments, the panel is releasably attachable to the item of clothing. By making the panel releasably attachable to the item of clothing the panel may be readily replaced.

In some exemplary embodiments the panel is permanently attached to the item of clothing.

In some exemplary embodiments, the panel is permanently attached to the item of clothing adjacent the second edge of the panel.

By making the panel permanently attached to the item of clothing the panel is not readily lost.

In some exemplary embodiments, the panel comprises an element to attach to or house a panel cover.

In one exemplary embodiment, the panel is substantially rectangular. Preferably the panel comprises an element to attach to the item of clothing adjacent each corner of the rectangle.

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a child clothing system, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.

Additional advantages and other features characteristic of the present invention will be set forth in the detailed description that follows and may be apparent from the detailed description or may be learned by practice of exemplary embodiments of the invention. Still other advantages of the invention may be realized by any of the instrumentalities, methods, or combinations particularly pointed out in the claims.

Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, which are not true to scale, and which, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to illustrate further various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention. Advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments thereof, which description should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic front elevational view of an item of clothing made in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a first side of a panel for use with the item of clothing of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a second side of the panel of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the panel of FIGS. 2 and 3 attached to the item of clothing of FIG. 1, with the panel in a first configuration;

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the panel of FIGS. 2 and 3 attached to the item of clothing of FIG. 1, with the panel in a second configuration;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic plan view of a second panel for use with the item of clothing of FIG. 1, the panel incorporating a plurality of puppets;

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the panel of FIG. 6 attached to the item of clothing of FIG. 1, the panel being in a first configuration;

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the item of clothing and panel comprising strips of hook and loop fastener;

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the panel being permanently attached to the item of clothing;

FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the panel permanently attached to the item of clothing and the panel comprises elements to attach to a panel cover;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a first side of a panel cover suitable for use with the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10; and

FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of the panel cover of FIG. 11 attached to the panel of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward.

Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.

Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.

Relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

As used herein, the term “about” or “approximately” applies to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.

Herein various embodiments of the present invention are described. In many of the different embodiments, features are similar. Therefore, to avoid redundancy, repetitive description of these similar features may not be made in some circumstances. It shall be understood, however, that description of a first-appearing feature applies to the later described similar feature and each respective description, therefore, is to be incorporated therein without such repetition.

Described now are exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Referring now to the figures of the drawings in detail and first, particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown a first exemplary embodiment of a child clothing system comprising an item of child clothing 1, the item of clothing 1 having a front 2 and a back (not shown). The item of clothing 1 comprises a neck end 3 and a lower end 4. The neck end 3 is that end of the item of clothing that sits nearest to the child's neck when the item of clothing is in use and the lower end 4 is that part that sits lowest on the child.

Item of clothing 1 comprises a first attachment element 5 in the form of a pair of buttons 5 a, 5 b, a second attachment element 6 in the form of a pair of buttons 6 a, 6 b, and third attachment element 7 in the form of a pair of buttons 7 a, 7 b.

It will be apparent that although in the present embodiment first, second and third attachment means 5, 6, 7 are in the form of pairs of buttons, any other suitable attachment means could be employed, for example press studs or hook and loop fastener.

The first attachment element 5 is located nearest the neck end 3 and the second attachment element is located nearest lower end 4. The third attachment element 7 is located in between first and second attachment elements 5, 6.

Turning to FIGS. 2 and 3, a rectangular panel 8 has a first side 9 and a second side 10. The first side 9 is of the same material or pattern as that of front 2, although it will be apparent that, if desired, the first side 9 could be of a different material or pattern.

The second side 10 comprises various indicia 11, in the present instance a picture of a path through a forest to a house, although it will be apparent that any indicia could be employed.

Panel 8 further comprises the first panel attachment element 12 in the form of buttonholes 12 a, 12 b adjacent a first edge 13 of panel 8 and a second panel attachment element 14 in the form of buttonholes 14 a, 14 b adjacent a second edge 15 of panel 8.

Turning to FIGS. 4 and 5 and panel 8 in use in combination with item of clothing 1, it can be seen that the panel 8 is attachable to item of clothing 1 by, in this exemplary embodiment, buttons 5 a, 5 b, 6 a, 6 b, 7 a, 7 b in combination with buttonholes 12 a, 12 b, 14 a, 14 b.

In particular, buttonholes 14 a, 14 b of panel 8 may be respectively attached to buttons 7 a and 7 b. This results in panel 8 being alterable between two main configurations whilst still remaining attached to item of clothing 1.

The first configuration is shown in FIG. 4, wherein, along with buttons 7 a, 7 b being engaged with buttonholes 14 a, 14 b, buttons 6 a, 6 b are also respectively engaged with buttonholes 12 a, 12 b. In this configuration, the indicia 11 printed on the second side 10 of panel 8 are visible to the child wearing item of clothing 1. Indeed, the indicia 10 are positioned such that a child wearing item of clothing 1 has the correct view of the indicia 10 (namely that the indicia 10 are the correct way up for them to be played with or understood, which is of particular importance if the indicia 10 comprise letters or words). Thus, it can be seen that the panel 8 is adapted to display the indicia 10 to its wearer when the item is in use.

It is in this first configuration that the child may play and interact with the indicia. It will be noted that in the first configuration as shown in FIG. 4, buttons 7 a, 7 b are not visible owing to a fold of material formed in panel 8.

The second configuration is shown in FIG. 5, wherein, along with buttons 7 b, 7 a being engaged with buttonholes 14 a, 14 b, buttons 5 a, 5 b are also respectively engaged with buttonholes 12 a, 12 b. In this configuration, the indicia 11 printed on the second side 10 of panel 8 are not visible to the child wearing the item of clothing 1. Instead, the first side 9 of the panel 8 is visible. In this configuration, the item of clothing 1 appears as a normal item of clothing.

Thus, item of clothing 1 in combination with panel 8 may be altered between the first and second configurations depending upon whether or not the child is encouraged/allowed to play with the indicia on panel 8.

Further, a plurality of panels 8 may be provided, each comprising different indicia 10. Panels 8 may be changed and replaced depending upon the interests of the child or parents.

It will be apparent that, in alternative exemplary embodiments, the attachment element 6 might be missing, such that panel 8 is not held in position when indicia 11 are in use, but it is believed that it is preferable to provide the attachment element 6 so that panel 8 remains in position.

Turning to FIG. 6 and an alternative panel 16 for use with item of clothing 1, the panel 16 comprises a first edge 20, a second edge 18 and indicia 21.

Panel 16 is provided with a plurality of puppets 17 attached by cords 19 to the first adjacent edge 18 of panel 16.

As can be seen in FIG. 7, panel 16 may be deployed in a first configuration the same fashion as panel 8. Similarly, although not shown in the figures, panel 16 may be moved into a second position, and in such a position, puppets 17 may be housed in a pocket formed between panel 8 and the front 2 of the item of clothing 1.

Turning to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 8, a modification may be employed in order to ensure that puppets 31 remain stored within the pocket formed between a panel 22 and the front 25 of the item of clothing 26. As with other panels, the panel 22 comprises a first edge 30 and a second edge 29.

Panel 22 may be provided with an attachment element 23, presently in the form of hook and loop fastener strips 23 a, 23 b, adapted to correspond and attach to hook and loop fastener strips 24 a, 24 b on the front 25 of the item of clothing 26.

Strips 23 a and 23 b are respectively located adjacent a third edge 27 and a fourth edge 28 of panel 22. In some exemplary embodiments, a further strip of hook and loop fastener may be provided adjacent the second edge 29, with a corresponding strip provided on the front 25 of the item of clothing 26.

It will be apparent that many configurations of attachment elements could be employed so as to form a substantially sealed pocket between a panel and the front of an item of clothing to ensure that any puppets or other items on the cords are retained within the pocket when the a child wearing the item of clothing is in transit.

Turning to FIG. 7 and yet a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, panel 32 is permanently attached to item of clothing 33 along edge 34. Panel 32 is alterable between first and second configurations as with the other embodiments described herein, although FIG. 9 shows the panel in only its second configuration. One side of the panel 32 bears indicia. Although this embodiment of the present invention is possible, it is not considered preferable, as it does not allow for the indicia to be changed.

Thus, for those exemplary embodiments wherein a panel is permanently attached to an item of clothing it is considered preferable for the panel to comprise measures to attach to or house a cover bearing indicia. Such an embodiment is described with regard to FIGS. 10 to 12.

In this exemplary embodiment, the item of clothing 35 is permanently attached to the panel 36 along edge 37. The panel 36 is alterable between first and second configurations as with the other exemplary embodiments described herein. However, the panel 36 does not itself bear indicia, but comprises four press studs 38 that allow the panel 36 to attach to a panel cover 39, shown, for example, in FIG. 11, and which comprises corresponding press stud fixtures 40 on its first side 41.

As can be seen in FIG. 12, when the panel cover 39 is attached to the panel 36, the first side 41 is not visible, but instead the second side 42 bearing indicia 43 may be seen. It will be apparent that the panel cover 39 may readily be detached and replaced with an alternative cover 39 bearing different indicia 43.

Although in this exemplary embodiment the panel 36 comprises press-studs as measures for attaching to a panel cover 39, it will be apparent that any attachment elements may be employed, or indeed any measures of housing. For example, a panel might comprise a pocket adapted to house a sheet bearing indicia, with the pocket able to house interchangeable sheets bearing different indicia.

It will be appreciated that, although in the present exemplary embodiments, a pinafore is the item of clothing 1, 26, 33, 35, any other suitable item of clothing might be subject to the present invention, for example, a t-shirt or jumper.

It will be apparent that although in the present exemplary embodiments the item of clothing and the panel are both made of textile materials, other materials might be employed.

It will be apparent that although in the present exemplary embodiments only a single panel is ever attached to the item of clothing, in some exemplary embodiments a plurality of panels might be attached to the item of clothing in different positions and simultaneously.

The panel may of course be any appropriate shape.

Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention as set out in the appended claims.

It is noted that various individual features of the inventive processes and systems may be described only in one exemplary embodiment herein. The particular choice for description herein with regard to a single exemplary embodiment is not to be taken as a limitation that the particular feature is only applicable to the embodiment in which it is described. All features described herein are equally applicable to, additive, or interchangeable with any or all of the other exemplary embodiments described herein and in any combination or grouping or arrangement. In particular, use of a single reference numeral herein to illustrate, define, or describe a particular feature does not mean that the feature cannot be associated or equated to another feature in another drawing figure or description. Further, where two or more reference numerals are used in the figures or in the drawings, this should not be construed as being limited to only those embodiments or features, they are equally applicable to similar features or not a reference numeral is used or another reference numeral is omitted.

The foregoing description and accompanying drawings illustrate the principles, exemplary embodiments, and modes of operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art and the above-described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A child clothing system, comprising: an item of child's clothing having a front with a neck end and a lower end; at least one panel attached to the front of the item of clothing, the panel being alterable between first and second configurations without detaching the panel from the item of clothing such that: when the panel is attached in the first configuration to the item of clothing, the panel is configured to display indicia to a child wearing the item of clothing; and when the panel is attached in the second configuration to the item of clothing, the indicia are hidden from view.
 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the panel forms a pocket with the front of the item of clothing when the panel is in the second configuration.
 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the panel comprises first and second edges with at least one attachment element adjacent the first edge.
 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein: the panel has panel attachment elements; the item of clothing comprises first and second attachment elements adapted to engage with the panel attachment elements; the first attachment element is disposed nearer the neck end; and the second attachment element is disposed nearer the lower end.
 5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the first and second attachment elements on the item of clothing each comprise at least one of the group consisting of: at least one button; at least one press-stud, and at least one area of a hook and loop fastener.
 6. The system according to claim 4, wherein the first and second attachment elements on the item of clothing each comprise at least one of the group consisting of: a plurality of buttons; press-studs; and areas of a hook and loop fastener.
 7. The system according to claim 4, wherein: the panel comprises a first edge; a panel attachment element adjacent the first edge is attached to the first attachment element of the item of clothing when the panel is in the second configuration.
 8. The system according to claim 4, wherein: the panel comprises a first edge; and a panel attachment element adjacent the first edge is attached to the second attachment element of the item of clothing when the panel is in the first configuration.
 9. The system according to claim 4, wherein the item of clothing further comprises a third attachment element disposed between the first and second attachment elements of the item of clothing, the third attachment element being adapted to engage with at least one of the panel attachment elements.
 10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the third attachment element of the item of clothing comprises at least one of the group consisting of: at least one button; at least one press-stud; and at least one area of a hook and loop fastener.
 11. The system according to claim 7, wherein the panel comprises a second edge and at least one panel attachment element adjacent the second edge.
 12. The system according to claim 11, wherein: the item of clothing further comprises a third attachment element disposed between the first and second attachment elements of the item of clothing; the panel attachment element adjacent the second edge of the panel is attached to the third attachment element when the panel is in both the first and second configurations.
 13. The system according to claim 1, wherein the panel is releasably attachable to the item of clothing.
 14. The system according to claim 1, wherein the panel is permanently attached to the item of clothing.
 15. The system according to claim 14, wherein: the panel comprises first and second edges; and the panel is permanently attached to the item of clothing adjacent the second edge of the panel.
 16. The system according to claim 1, wherein the panel comprises at least one attachment element configured to attach the panel to a panel cover.
 17. The system according to claim 16, which further comprises a plurality of panel covers.
 18. An item of clothing adapted for use with the system according to claim
 1. 19. A panel adapted for use with the system claim
 1. 20. A panel cover adapted for use with the system of claim
 16. 